Top Gun cast: Then and now

By LYNSI BURTON

Photo: Fotonoticias/Getty

Image 1of/40

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 40

Friday is Top Gun Day and Monday is the 30th anniversary of the movie's premiere. That's right, you'll have an excuse to quote the iconic '80s movie all day and blast "Danger Zone" in your car while you're stuck at a busy suburban intersection. Maybe get together for a celebratory game of shirtless beach volleyball with your bros (unless you're playing Goose that day, in that case you get a cutoff T-shirt). less

Friday is Top Gun Day and Monday is the 30th anniversary of the movie's premiere. That's right, you'll have an excuse to quote the iconic '80s movie all day and blast "Danger Zone" in your car while you're ... more

Friday is Top Gun Day and Monday is the 30th anniversary of the... Photo-6233757.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 2 of 40

Top Gun Day was initially intended by its founders to fall on May 16, the anniversary of the 1986 film's premiere date. However, so many promotional graphics were produced erroneously advertising the film holiday as being on the 13th that it was kept on that date to prevent confusion.

The day is intended to be celebrated by adorning one's social media pages with everything Top Gun and quoting the movie all day. Kinda like "Talk Like a Pirate Day." But with more testosterone. less

Top Gun Day was initially intended by its founders to fall on May 16, the anniversary of the 1986 film's premiere date. However, so many promotional graphics were produced erroneously advertising the film ... more

Photo: Paramount Pictures, Getty

Top Gun Day was initially intended by its founders to fall on May... Photo-6292598.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 3 of 40

"Top Gun" was the highest-grossing film in 1986, having raked in more than $353 million worldwide.

The Cold War-era action flick is said to have increased interest in U.S. naval aviation by 500 percent after its release. less

"Top Gun" was the highest-grossing film in 1986, having raked in more than $353 million worldwide.

The Cold War-era action flick is said to have increased interest in U.S. naval aviation by 500 percent after its ... more

Photo: Paramount Pictures, Getty

"Top Gun" was the highest-grossing film in 1986, having... Photo-6292609.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 4 of 40

The movie well-known for the volleyball scene filled with oiled-up buff pilots ...

The movie well-known for the volleyball scene filled with oiled-up buff pilots ...

The movie well-known for the volleyball scene filled with oiled-up... Photo-4164449.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 5 of 40

the resurrection of "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" and "Great Balls of Fire" ...

the resurrection of "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" and "Great Balls of Fire" ...

Photo: Archive Photos, Getty

the resurrection of "You've Lost That Loving... Photo-6292616.85598 - seattlepi.com

... and one of the more awkward love scenes in cinema history.... Photo-6292605.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 8 of 40

So what is the cast up to now?

So what is the cast up to now?

Photo: Paramount Pictures, Getty

So what is the cast up to now? Photo-6292607.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 9 of 40

Tom Cruise, who starred as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, had already appeared in "The Outsiders" and starred in "Risky Business" by the time "Top Gun" came around. The movie only contributed to his meteoric rise in the '80s. He would soon go on to star in "Rain Man" and "Cocktail."

Imagine how different the movie would be had the role of "Maverick" gone to other contenders: John Travolta, Rob Lowe, Nicolas Cage, Patrick Swayze, Emilio Estevez, John Cusack, Matthew Brockerick, Sean Penn, Michael J. Fox, Scott Baio, Tom Hanks, Charlie Sheen, Jim Carrey, Eric Stoltz and Robert Downey, Jr. As Goose would say, that list is long and distinguished. less

Tom Cruise, who starred as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, had already appeared in "The Outsiders" and starred in "Risky Business" by the time "Top Gun" came around. The movie only contributed to his meteoric rise in ... more

Now we know Tom Cruise, 53, as a couch-jumping Scientologist cartoon character, but we can't quit his movies. The fifth installment of the "Mission: Impossible" movies was released last year and another sequel has been announced. A second "Jack Reacher" movie is in post-production. We know Cruise, of course, for famous titles such as "A Few Good Men," "Jerry Maguire" and "Minority Report," to name a few. He has been married to and divorced from Mimi Rogers, Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes.

A second "Top Gun" has been announced, but Cruise and Val Kilmer are the only listed cast members so far, if it actually goes through. less

Now we know Tom Cruise, 53, as a couch-jumping Scientologist cartoon character, but we can't quit his movies. The fifth installment of the "Mission: Impossible" movies was released last year and another sequel ... more

Photo: Getty

Now we know Tom Cruise, 53, as a couch-jumping Scientologist... Photo-5038035.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 11 of 40

Kelly McGillis was coming off her first standout role as Rachel in 1985's "Witness" when she co-starred as Maverick's love interest, Charlie, in "Top Gun." She played a Ph.D.-level flight instructor at Miramar who became the subject of Maverick's fancy.

It has been reported that Tom Cruise, not known as a tall man, had to wear lifts during his scenes with McGillis. less

Kelly McGillis was coming off her first standout role as Rachel in 1985's "Witness" when she co-starred as Maverick's love interest, Charlie, in "Top Gun." She played a Ph.D.-level flight instructor at Miramar ... more

Photo: Archive Photos, Getty Images

Kelly McGillis was coming off her first standout role as Rachel in... Photo-4164439.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 12 of 40

After "Top Gun," McGillis soon went on to play a lawyer in "The Accused." She has since continued acting in TV and movies, albeit with a low profile. She appeared in an independent film released last year, "Blue."

McGillis came out as lesbian in 2009 and entered into a civil union with her partner the following year. She is 58. less

After "Top Gun," McGillis soon went on to play a lawyer in "The Accused." She has since continued acting in TV and movies, albeit with a low profile. She appeared in an independent film released last year, ... more

Photo: Alexandra Wyman, Getty

After "Top Gun," McGillis soon went on to play a lawyer... Photo-6292581.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 13 of 40

Val Kilmer played "Iceman," Maverick's top competitor at flight school who always chided him for being too "dangerous." Before "Top Gun," he appeared in "Real Genius."

Val Kilmer played "Iceman," Maverick's top competitor at flight school who always chided him for being too "dangerous." Before "Top Gun," he appeared in "Real Genius."

For those who might have forgotten, Val Kilmer was romantically linked to Cher in the early '80s.

For those who might have forgotten, Val Kilmer was romantically linked to Cher in the early '80s.

Photo: Ron Galella, Getty

For those who might have forgotten, Val Kilmer was romantically... Photo-6292580.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 15 of 40

He went on to play Jim Morrison in ''The Doors'' in 1991, Doc Holliday in 1993's ''Tombstone," Batman/Bruce Wayne in 1995's "Batman Forever" and Chris Shiherlis in "Heat" that same year. In recent years, he voiced K.I.T.T. in the unsuccessful reboot of "Knight Rider" and co-starred with fellow "Top Gun" alumnus Anthony Edwards as a voice actor in "Planes." He also played Mark Twain in the 2014 movie, "Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn" and is set to reprise the role in "Mark Twain and Mary Baker Eddy." He is 56. less

He went on to play Jim Morrison in ''The Doors'' in 1991, Doc Holliday in 1993's ''Tombstone," Batman/Bruce Wayne in 1995's "Batman Forever" and Chris Shiherlis in "Heat" that same year. In recent ... more

Photo: Jason LaVeris, Getty

He went on to play Jim Morrison in ''The... Photo-6292630.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 16 of 40

Speaking of Anthony Edwards, he played Goose, Maverick's partner in crime and in the air. By "Top Gun," his biggest credits included his turns in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and "Revenge of the Nerds."

Speaking of Anthony Edwards, he played Goose, Maverick's partner in crime and in the air. By "Top Gun," his biggest credits included his turns in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and "Revenge of the Nerds."

Edwards, now 53, is probably most popularly known now as Dr. Mark Greene from TV's "ER." He appeared in an episode of the latest season of "Girls" last season and continues to play occasional turns in TV episodes and movies. less

Edwards, now 53, is probably most popularly known now as Dr. Mark Greene from TV's "ER." He appeared in an episode of the latest season of "Girls" last season and continues to play occasional turns in TV ... more

Photo: Gregg DeGuire, Getty

Edwards, now 53, is probably most popularly known now as Dr. Mark... Photo-6292631.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 18 of 40

Washington resident Tom Skerritt was an established actor before "Top Gun" came around. His most high-profile credit before then was as Dallas in "Alien," pictured. He played chief flight instructor, Viper.

Washington resident Tom Skerritt was an established actor before "Top Gun" came around. His most high-profile credit before then was as Dallas in "Alien," pictured. He played chief flight instructor, Viper.

Tom Skerritt, age 82, now splits his time between homes on Lake Washington and on Lopez Island in the San Juan Islands. His big credits after "Top Gun" included a recurring role in "Cheers," "Poltergeist III," "Steel Magnolias" and "Picket Fences." He has recently appeared in episodes of the TV series "Madam Secretary" and "The Good Wife" and continues to act in movies. less

Tom Skerritt, age 82, now splits his time between homes on Lake Washington and on Lopez Island in the San Juan Islands. His big credits after "Top Gun" included a recurring role in "Cheers," "Poltergeist III," ... more

Photo: J. Countess, Getty

Tom Skerritt, age 82, now splits his time between homes on Lake... Photo-6292629.85598 - seattlepi.com

Some of his biggest film credits include "Total Recall" (1990) and "Starship Troopers" (1997). He had guest spots on a slew of hit TV shows such as "The A-Team," "Hill Street Blues," "Walker, Texas Ranger," "ER," "Smallville" and "Desperate Housewives." He has several movies in various stages of production set to be released this year or the next. He is 66. less

Some of his biggest film credits include "Total Recall" (1990) and "Starship Troopers" (1997). He had guest spots on a slew of hit TV shows such as "The A-Team," "Hill Street Blues," "Walker, Texas Ranger," ... more

Photo: Robert Marquardt, Getty

Some of his biggest film credits include "Total Recall"... Photo-6292597.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 22 of 40

John Stockwell played Cougar, who, early in "Top Gun," turned in his wings after a shaky mission. The move makes room for Maverick and Goose at "Top Gun" flight academy at Miramar. Before "Top Gun," Stockwell appeared with Tom Cruise in 1983's "Losin' It." He also worked as a model. less

John Stockwell played Cougar, who, early in "Top Gun," turned in his wings after a shaky mission. The move makes room for Maverick and Goose at "Top Gun" flight academy at Miramar. Before "Top Gun," Stockwell ... more

Photo: Ron Galella, Getty

John Stockwell played Cougar, who, early in "Top Gun,"... Photo-6292649.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 23 of 40

Stockwell is now a director. He directed "Cheaters," "Crazy/Beautiful," "Blue Crush" and "Into the Blue," among others. He is 55.

Stockwell is now a director. He directed "Cheaters," "Crazy/Beautiful," "Blue Crush" and "Into the Blue," among others. He is 55.

Photo: Frazer Harrison, Getty

Stockwell is now a director. He directed "Cheaters,"... Photo-6292596.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 24 of 40

Rick Rossovich played Slider, whom Maverick sniffed out in a famous exchange and sneered, "You stink."

Rick Rossovich played Slider, whom Maverick sniffed out in a famous exchange and sneered, "You stink."

Rossovich also appeared in 1983's "Losin' It" with Cruise and Stockwell. He also had a role in the original "The Terminator." Since "Top Gun," he had a recurring role in "ER" and starred in the mid-'90s TV show, "Pacific Blue." He has a movie filming and another in post-production. He is 58. less

Rossovich also appeared in 1983's "Losin' It" with Cruise and Stockwell. He also had a role in the original "The Terminator." Since "Top Gun," he had a recurring role in "ER" and starred in the mid-'90s TV ... more

Photo: Jim Smeal, Getty

Rossovich also appeared in 1983's "Losin' It"... Photo-6292592.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 26 of 40

Tim Robbins played fellow pilot, Merlin. He was in a relationship with Susan Sarandon for 21 years.

Tim Robbins played fellow pilot, Merlin. He was in a relationship with Susan Sarandon for 21 years.

Photo: Catherine McGann, Getty

Tim Robbins played fellow pilot, Merlin. He was in a relationship... Photo-6292575.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 27 of 40

Since "Top Gun," Robbins starred in "Bull Durham," "The Shawshank Redemption," "High Fidelity" and "Mystic River," for which he won a best supporting actor Oscar, among dozens of other titles. He has also written, produced and directed several works, including "Dead Man Walking." He also stars in the HBO series, "The Brink," with Jack Black. He is 57. less

Since "Top Gun," Robbins starred in "Bull Durham," "The Shawshank Redemption," "High Fidelity" and "Mystic River," for which he won a best supporting actor Oscar, among dozens of other titles. He has also ... more

Gilyard is known for his work in "Die Hard," "Matlock," the "Left Behind" movie trilogy and "Walker, Texas Ranger." He has a couple movies in the works. He now teaches theater at University of Nevada-Las Vegas. He is 61. less

Gilyard is known for his work in "Die Hard," "Matlock," the "Left Behind" movie trilogy and "Walker, Texas Ranger." He has a couple movies in the works. He now teaches theater at University of Nevada-Las Vegas. ... more

Photo: J. P. Aussenard, Getty

Gilyard is known for his work in "Die Hard,"... Photo-6292804.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 30 of 40

Meg Ryan was a largely unknown actress when she was cast for "Top Gun" as Goose's wife Carole who had the famous line, ''Take me to bed or lose me forever!'' She was previously known as Betsy in the soap, "As The World Turns." less

Meg Ryan was a largely unknown actress when she was cast for "Top Gun" as Goose's wife Carole who had the famous line, ''Take me to bed or lose me forever!'' She was previously known as Betsy in the soap, ... more

Photo: Time Life Pictures, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

Meg Ryan was a largely unknown actress when she was cast for... Photo-4164446.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 31 of 40

Anthony Edwards and Meg Ryan dated for a while in real life. Of course, she since became known for "When Harry Met Sally," "Joe Versus the Volcano," "Sleepless in Seattle," "When a Man Loves a Woman," "City of Angels" and "You've Got Mail." She also played Jim Morrison's wife alongside Val Kilmer in "The Doors." less

Anthony Edwards and Meg Ryan dated for a while in real life. Of course, she since became known for "When Harry Met Sally," "Joe Versus the Volcano," "Sleepless in Seattle," "When a Man Loves a Woman," "City of ... more

Photo: Ron Galella, Getty

Anthony Edwards and Meg Ryan dated for a while in real life. Of... Photo-6292618.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 32 of 40

Ryan, 54, has most recently frequented the web series, "Web Therapy." She's also rumored to be the narrator in the aptly-named "How I Met Your Mother" spinoff, "How I Met Your Dad." She recently nabbed her first directing credit with last year's movie, "Ithaca." less

Ryan, 54, has most recently frequented the web series, "Web Therapy." She's also rumored to be the narrator in the aptly-named "How I Met Your Mother" spinoff, "How I Met Your Dad." She recently nabbed her ... more

James Tolkan played Stinger, who sends Maverick and Goose to Top Gun after colorfully reprimanding them for their recklessness. He is basically known for playing a strict authority figure, famously as Mr. Strickland in the "Back to the Future" trilogy. You slackers. less

James Tolkan played Stinger, who sends Maverick and Goose to Top Gun after colorfully reprimanding them for their recklessness. He is basically known for playing a strict authority figure, famously as Mr. ... more

Photo: NBC, Getty

James Tolkan played Stinger, who sends Maverick and Goose to Top... Photo-6292603.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 36 of 40

At 84, Tolkan's many movie and TV roles aren't as frequent as they used to be, but he remains an active actor.

At 84, Tolkan's many movie and TV roles aren't as frequent as they used to be, but he remains an active actor.

Kenny Loggins is kind of a cast member with his contributions to the soundtrack, right? He sang the theme, "Danger Zone," and the beach volleyball theme, "Playing With the Boys." After gaining mainstream success as one half of Loggins and Messina, he became "King of the Movie Soundtrack," with credits including "I'm Alright" for "Caddyshack," "Footloose" and "I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man)" for "Footloose," "Meet Me Halfway" for "Over the Top" and "Nobody's Fool" for "Caddyshack II."

Despite his hits with the "Top Gun" soundtrack, it was Berlin's "Take My Breath Away" that won the Golden Globe and Oscar for best original song. less

Kenny Loggins is kind of a cast member with his contributions to the soundtrack, right? He sang the theme, "Danger Zone," and the beach volleyball theme, "Playing With the Boys." After gaining mainstream ... more

Photo: Michael Ochs Archives, Getty

Kenny Loggins is kind of a cast member with his contributions to... Photo-6292599.85598 - seattlepi.com

Image 38 of 40

Loggins, at age 68, continues to record music and tour.

Loggins, at age 68, continues to record music and tour.

Photo: Joshua Blanchard, Getty

Loggins, at age 68, continues to record music and tour. Photo-6292644.85598 - seattlepi.com